India cuts excise duty on 22‑30% ethanol‑blended petrol

The Indian government has removed the central excise duty on petrol that contains 22% to 30% ethanol (E22, E25, E27 and E30). The exemption applies only to blends that meet the Indian Standards Bureau (BIS) IS 19850 specifications; the existing E20 blend is not covered. The policy aims to lessen dependence on imported crude oil, promote cleaner‑energy fuels and create a market for higher‑ethanol blends, which could benefit sugarcane and other crop farmers. While the tax cut is expected to eventually lower fuel prices and improve energy security, analysts note that immediate retail price changes may be modest because of current global oil market volatility. The move is part of a broader energy‑security strategy introduced as regional supply disruptions, such as those in the Hormuz Strait, affect fuel imports.